Quick answer:
Out of 277 movers in California, we found Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
to be the best option for local moves in San Rafael, CA, based on key areas like pricing, services, and reviews.
Our go-to choice for long-distance or out-of-state moves from California is Safeway Moving,
since they consistently deliver quality service at a fair price.
Hi, I'm Ryan. Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Rafael, CA
Whether you're planning a move within San Rafael or relocating to a nearby California city like
San Anselmo or Ross (both under 50 miles away),
we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Customer stories about Luigy's Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely. While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy's receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.
Glowing customer feedback puts Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage in a class of their own. Out of 216 reviews, 91.7% were positive, revealing a pattern of professional, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, quick and efficient moves, and clear communication at all stages. Customers valued the team’s reliability and respect for property, with many highlighting stress-free experiences even in complicated moves. Positive input often mentioned exceeding cost or time expectations, showing the company's strong work ethic compared to typical movers. Negative feedback (7.4%) pointed to higher costs than expected, occasional damage or loss of items, and instances of unprofessional or slow crews. Undelivered promises on insurance and complaint follow-up also appeared in rare cases. Neutral reviews (0.9%) cited minor organizational mix-ups but still praised the staff’s friendliness and effectiveness. The feedback overwhelmingly shows Johnson & Daly operates at a higher standard than most, consistently earning trust for local and long-distance moves.
Moving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStar’s efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery. The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Jay's Small Moves earns praise from nearly every customer, with 96% of the 641 reviews describing positive experiences. Feedback highlights their efficient service, professional and polite movers, careful handling of belongings, speedy moving process, and excellent communication. Customers value how the company stays on schedule, protects items, and makes moving stress-free. They often mention accurate quotes and a transparent booking process, setting Jay's apart from other local moving companies. On the other side, a few clients encountered problems, mainly involving damage to items, unexpected charges, and unreliable timing. Negative feedback points to occasional lack of care with furniture, higher final bills than quoted, or teams running late. Neutral feedback overlaps, noting inconsistent team quality and a slower pace during some moves. Jay's Small Moves delivers better reliability, professionalism, and efficiency than most competitors, making them a leading choice in the region, though some isolated complaints indicate the value of clear communications and attention to detail for every move.
Going with a full-service mover for your San Rafael, California move is the easiest way to go.
That convenience can be costly, however. To keep moving costs lower, consider using one of the
leading moving container companies,
or a rental truck provider in San Rafael.
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top five best movers
based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around San Rafael.
If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on
moving costs in California.
Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates.
Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our
moving cost calculator.
Home Size
Avg. Total Cost
Cost/hour
# of Movers
# Hours
Studio
$493
$206
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$697
$200
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$1,168
$285
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$2,715
$391
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$3,150
$404
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$4,661
$547
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top San Rafael, CA movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in San Rafael, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC).
Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
We only feature movers that are properly licensed.
Take a look at our best movers in California list to find vetted options.
What should I look for in a reputable San Rafael mover?
Choosing a reputable San Rafael moving company doesn’t have to be hard
if you focus on a few key considerations:
Reputation:
Whether it's a family-run business or a
major van lines provider,
their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags.
Even top San Rafael movers have occasional hiccups—
it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs
doesn't mean they’re ready for your
long-distance move.
Ask about their experience with moves like yours.
Are long-distance moves available through San Rafael moving companies?
While some San Rafael movers specialize in local jobs, others are equipped for long-distance moves, too.
If you’re relocating out of state, browse our picks for the best long distance movers in San Rafael.
Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in San Rafael, CA?
Movers in San Rafael, California, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays,
as weekends see higher demand and pricing.
According to our research, the cheapest moving period
is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.
To cut costs, book your San Rafael move as early as possible.
Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months.
And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.
What’s the most affordable way to relocate from San Rafael, CA?
Renting a truck is often considered
the cheapest way to move out of state
or within San Rafael, California.
It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.
Is a moving container a good option for relocating from San Rafael?
Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself.
After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home,
eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.
What are my options for loading help with a moving container in San Rafael?
Using a rental truck or container but need some muscle?
Labor-only moving companies
can help with just the loading and unloading.
It’s a great way to make your move faster and easier while still keeping costs down.
Do movers in San Rafael provide storage services?
Yes, most San Rafael movers offer both short- and long-term storage.
Just note that some use third-party warehouses,
so it’s wise to ask upfront about where your things will be stored and how much it will cost.
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